Machine for forming cans from closed end tubular members



0 United States Patent [1113,548,769

[72] Inventors lobert F. Wlndstrup 5 mu 5 w. at, mun; y F. UNITED STATESPATENTS smug, PM, 3,248,774 5/l966 Kraus 29/38 2,298,366 10/1942Gladfelter et a1. 113/120 [21] APPLN 3196819 7/1965 1. h al 13120 26, 8Cnet 6! l l [45] Patented 1970 Primary Examiner-Charles W. Lanham [73]Asaignee Continental Can Company, Inc. Assistant Examiner-Michael J.Keenan New York, N.Y. Attorney-Billet, Brown, Ramik & Holt n corporationofNew York 7 ABSTRACT: This disclosure relates to an automatically- 1operating machine for converting closed end tubular members intoone-piece cans, the apparatus including means for automaticallysupplying tubular members and receiving cans therefrom, a turret havinga plurality of work holders particu- [54] fimgg Q CLOSED larly adaptedto receive tubular members, means for indexing 3! c 29 mm H the turret,a tool holder cooperable with the work holders of the turret forperforming the necessary operations on tubular [52] US. 113/7, memberscarried by the work holders of the turret, and means 1 13/ l 201-! foreffecting the reciprocation of the tool holder in timed rela- [51] Int.821d 51/26 tion to the indexing of the turret for sequentiallyperforming [501 Field of Search 113/16, 7, the necessary operations onthe tubular members to convert the tubular members into cans.

PATENTED [M22 1970 SHEET 01 [1F 13 @wm aw K P mm mu 2 NE v S L mm WW 5mmmmm EHA 7 BC NM MN O& M wk NF R 8 man on mwm m mm 6- Em Q E A 1. mm owBY MM PIC-1.3 FEES) I l 232 4 g 5| 346 (Q BACKWARD MEMBER Q, 4| DETECTORa 239 I w r 62 259 FLA:G3E3 PANEL 65 64 65 I NVENTORS ROBERT E WINDSTRUP8: CHARLES W. HALE 8 RAYMOND F GALITZ 74 J TRIM. I x 11m, 62%, Man '5 WORNEYS MPATENTED 0&0221970 3548.769

SHEET 03 [1F 13 lol INVENTORS ROBERT F WINDSTRUP CHARLES W. HALE 8:RAYMOND E GALITZ 4W4, 021% M 0 P/Y'W/ ATTORNEYS PATENTED 05222 I978SHEET 0 [1F 13 FIG-.6

INVENTORS ROBERT E WINDSTRUP CHARLES .W. HALE 8t RAYMOND F GALITZ K I MA'T'TORNIEYS I I I I I IL PATENTEU [1513221970 saw as 0F 13 INVENTORSROBERT E WINDSTRUP CHARLES w. HALE & RAYMOND E GALITZ Mum, M3

PATENTEDDEE22I970 $548,769

sum as 'nr 13 INVENTOR ROBERT F WINDSTRUP CHARLES W. HALE 8 RAYMOND EGALITZ ATTORNEYS PATENTED BEE22 19m SHEET INVENTORS ROBERT F WINDSTRUPCHARLES W. HALE 8: RAYMOND F GALITZ BY 90 @2 n/ M F Q zw vs 'PATENTEB0502mm 3548769 sum as or 13 FxeJB I NVENTORS I ROBERT E WINDSTRUPCHARLES w. HALE a RAYMOND EGALITZ TTORNEYS BY WUW PATENTEDBE022|97B3,548,769

SHEET 10 0F 13 TIE- 312 308' 72 52 3I3 f INVENTORS ROBERTF WINDSTRUPCHARLES W. HALE 8 RAYMOND F. GALITZ ATTORNEYS PATENTEDDEEZZIBYB 3548.769

sum 11 0F" 13 FIG/Z2 5'2 333 4 33s 7 ROBERT E WINDSTRUP CHARLES w. HALE& RAYMOND E GALITZ 4 I r m s INVENTORS MACHINE FOR FORMING CANS FROMCLOSED END TUBULAR MEMBERS This invention relates in general to newand-useful improvements in machines or apparatus for forming cans fromtubular members each having a closed end, the tubular members beinggenerally formed either by an impact extrusion method or by a wallironing method. a

Tubular members which meet the basic requirements of one-piece canbodies can be formed by either impact extrusion methods or by wallironing methods. These tubular members normally have ends which are flatand joined to the tubular bodies by small radius curves and the oppositeends of the tubular members are open and are irregularly formed. Inaccordance with this invention, it is proposed to provide a machine orapparatus which will automatically receive such tubular members andsequentiallyperform operations thereon so as to inspect the members forproper orientation, panel the ends of the members to define an inwardlyrecessed end thereon, trim the members to proper length and thereafterflange the open ends of the members so as to provide onepiece canshaving panelled ends integrally formed with the can bodies and with theopen ends of the can bodies being flanged for the reception of a closureby conventional seaming method.

Another object of this invention is to provide an automaticallyoperating machine for converting closed end tubular members intoone-piece cans, the apparatus including means for automaticallysupplying tubular members and receiving cans therefrom, a turret havinga plurality of work holders particularly adapted to receive tubularmembers, means for indexing the turret, a tool holder cooperable withthe work holders of the turret for performing the necessary operationson tubular members carried by the work holders of the turret, and meansfor effecting the reciprocation of the tool holder in timed relation tothe indexing of the turret for sequentially performing the necessaryoperations onthe tubular members to convert the tubular members intocans.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel machine forconverting closed end tubular members into cans, the apparatus includinga tool holder which is mounted for reciprocatory movement and carrying aplurality of tools cooperative with a plurality of indexing workholders, there being provided means for driving the tool holder and thework holders in timed relation, the drive means including means forautomatically returning the tool holder to a fully retracted positionwhen the machine is stopped for any reason.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel turret forreceiving tubular members, the turret including a plurality of holdersparticularly adapted to receive tubular members, each of the holdershaving a collet type article positioning and retaining apparatus, andfixed cam means for automatically opening and closing the collet typepositioning apparatus in response to the rotation of the turret.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel collet assemblyfor a plurality of work holders carried by a turret, the collet assemblyof each work holder including a clamping apparatus which includes anoscillatable ring which is shifted by means of a cam, the rings ofadjoining work holders being.

resiliently interconnected whereby one collet apparatus reacts on thenext adjacent one to constantly urge the collet apparatus to closedpositions.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel work holder forholding closed end tubular members during the conversion into canshaving recessed ends, the work holder including a tubular body having anopen end and a closed end, the closed end being recessed by a panellingapparatus which includes a panelling die which is mountedfor limitedmovement, and a seat for the tubular member which is axially shiftablerelative to the panelling die whereby when the tubular member and seatis moved relative to the panelling die, the end of the tubular memberwill automatically be panelled.

Another object of this invention is to provide in combination with awork holder of the type set forth above backup means for restricting themovement of thepanelling die, and

wherein means are provided for detecting when the seat is notautomatically returned to its original position after a panellingoperation.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel apparatus forconverting closed end tubular members into cans, the apparatus includingmeans for positioning tubular members in the machine, means for fiangingthe open ends of the tubular members, and retracting means for engagingthe flanges to effect the removal of the cans formed from the tubularmembers. I

Still another object of this invention is to provide a novel trimmingapparatus for trimming the open ends of tubular members in theconversion thereof into cans, the trimming apparatus being axiallyreciprocal with respect to a holder for a tubular member and including ahollow body receiving an end of a tubular member to be trimmed, acutter-for progressively trimming the end of the tubular member, andwaste disposal means carried by the body for automatically moving thewaste axially of the body away from the tubular member as the waste isremoved from the tubular member.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an automaticmachine for converting closed end tubular members into cans which areflanged for the reception of closures, the machine being of a relativelysimple construction for the operations to be performed by the machineand being both relatively jam proof and self-releasing upon the jammingthereof.

With the above and other objects in view that will hereinafter appear,the nature of the invention will bemore clearly understood by referenceto the following detailed description, the appended claims and theseveral views illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

In The Drawings:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the basic components ofthe machine and the relationship thereof.

FIG. 2 is a schematic side elevational view of the machine of FIG. 1taken from the far side thereof.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the general sequence of operation ofthe machine, the view being generally an end view of the machine.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the machineand shows generally the details of the means for positioning tubularmembers in the turret of the machine.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse vertical sectional viewtaken along the 5-5 of FIG. 4 and shows further the details of themachine. f

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken alongthe line 6-6 of FIG. 4 and shows the specific details of a guide forautomatically guiding a tubular member into a holder of the turret, theguide being capable of releasing the tubular member upon rotation of theturret.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view showing a tubularmember being positioned within one of the holders, portions of theholder, the guide and the positioning punch being broken away and shownin section.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of the turret takenfrom the lefi in FIG. I and shows the specific details of one of theholders thereof.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal sectional view takenalong the line 9-9 of FIG. 8 and shows the specific details of theholder and the relationship thereof with respect to the turret, a colletactuating cam and a backing block.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary transverse vertical sectional view taken alongthe line 10-10 of FIG. 9 and shows the specific details of the colletattachment of the holder.

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view takenalong the line 11-11 of FIG. 9 and shows further details of the holder.

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view taken through one ofthe holders and a backward tubular member detecting device of themachine.

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view similar to FIG. 12 and shows alike holder having associated therewith a panelling punch of themachine.

FIG. 14 is an elevational view of a detector for automatically detectingwhen movable components of the holder do not return to their normalpositions after the panelling operation shown in FIG. 13, the view beingtransversely of the machine.

FIG. I is an end view of the detector of FIG. 1d and shows therelationship thereof to the turret and one of the holders carried by theturret.

FIG. 16 is an elevational view of the detector and shows the manner inwhich it is operated, an associated holder being shown in phantom lines.7

FIG. 17 is a side elevational viewshowing the lower portion of thedetector and an associated holder which has not fully retracted andshows the manner in which the detector is actuated.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the trimmerand shows the specific details thereof and the relationship of thetrimmer to one of the holders and the tubular member carried thereby.

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the machine and showsthe manner in which the waste trimmed from a tubular member by thetrimmer is removed from the machine.

FIG. 20 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken along the line20-20 of FIG. 18 and shows further the specific details of the mountingand driving of the trimmer.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken axially of thetrimmer along the line 21-21 of FIG. 18 and shows the specific detailsof the trimmer spindle.

FIG. 22 is a longitudinal sectional view similar to FIG. 12 and shows aflanging tool flanging the open end of a can while the can is mountedwithin one of the holders.

FIG. 23 is a fragmentary transverse view showing the general details ofthe machine in the areaof the discharge point of the machine. FIG. 24 isa longitudinal sectional view taken through the discharge station of themachine and shows the specific details of a retracting apparatus forengaging the flange of a can and withdrawing the can from an associatedholder.

FIG. 25 is a transverse sectional view through a can which is engaged bythe retractor.

FIG. 26 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view taken along theline 26-26 of FIG. 25 and shows the specific details of the retractorand the relationship thereof to the can.

FIG. 27 is a longitudinal sectional view similar to FIG. 26 and showsthe manner in which the can is automatically released from theretractor.

FIG. 28 is a fragmentary side elevational view taken through the centerof the machine and shows the specific details of a valve for applyingvacuum within the work holders at the panelling and trimming stations.

FIG. 29 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view taken along the line29-29 of FIG. 28 and shows further the details of the valve.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that there isillustrated in FIG. 1 the basic components of the machine, which is thesubject of this invention, the machine being generally referred to bythe numeral 3i). In order that the structural details of the machine maybe readily understood, the basic functions of the machine will be setforth here.

Tubular members having closed ends which have been formed by eitherextrusion or wall ironing processes or combinations of the two are firstfed into the machine and then inserted into individual holders of theturret thereof. As the turret is sequentially rotated and indexed, eachtubular member is first inspected for possible backward orientation,after which the normally flatend thereof is panelled so as to beinwardly recessed. The tubular member is then trimmed at its open end sothat it is of the desired length. It may now be said that the tubularmember is in the form of an unfianged can. Next the open end of the canis flanged, after which the can is retracted from the can holder andremovedfrom the machine.

The machine 30 has a specific frame construction which in itself is nota feature of this invention and which is not specifically shown indetail in the drawings. The frame supports a suitable power unit in theform of an electric motor 31L The electric motor 31 has an armatureshaft 32 on which there is mounted a drive pulley 33. The drive pulley33 is aligned with a driven pulley 34 and a drive belt or ,chain 35 isentrained over the pulleys 33 and 34 to drivingly connect the twotogether. The driven pulley 34$ is carried by a transverse shaft 36which is suitable joumaled "in the frame of the machine. The shaft 36 isconnected to a right angle drive unit 37 which has an output shaft 38.The output shaft 38 is connected to a longitudinal drive shaft 39 bymeans of a coupling 40. The opposite end of the longitudinal drive shaft39 is provided with a drive sprocket 4lwhich is aligned with a drivensprocket 42 and which is connected thereto by means of a drive chain 43.The desired tension on the chain 43 is maintained by an idler sprocket$4. The sprocket 42 is mounted on an input shaft 45 of a drive unit 46of a conventional type of Ferguson drive unit 47. The Ferguson driveunit is a drive unit having an output shaft 43 which is sequentiallyrotated at regular intervals so as to be automatically periodicallyindexed. The shaft 48 passes through a backup plate 49 which is rigidlymounted in closely spaced relationship in front of the Ferguson driveunit on the machine frame.

A turret plate 50 is carried by the output shaft 48 for movementtherewith. It will be understood that the turret plate 50 willautomatically be indexed by the Ferguson drive unit 47 The turret plate50 is a part of a turret, which is generally referred to by the numeral51. The turret 51 includes a plurality of work holders, each of which isreferred to by the numeral 52, which are equally spaced about the axisof the output shaft 48.

In order that tubular members may be automatically positioned in thework holders 52 and the cans formed therefrom automatically removed fromthe work holders, the machine 30 includes a feed mechanismwhich isgenerally referred to by the numeral 53. The feed mechanism 53 includesa feed turret 54. The feed turret 54 has associated therewith an infeedchute 55 and a discharge chute 56. The backup plate 43 has a support 57thereon in which one end ofa feed turret drive shaft 58 is suitablyjournaled. The feed turret drive shaft 58 is driven by an output shaftgear 59 on the output shaft 48 through an intermediate gear 60 and afeed turret drive shaft gear 61.

The machine 30 includes a tool holder which is generally referred to bythe numeral 62 and which is generally axially aligned with the turret51. The tool holder 62 includes a suitable carriage 63 having slides 64which are mounted for movement axially of the machine only in suitableguides or ways 65.

In order that the tool holder 62 may be reciprocated towards and awayfrom the turret 51, the machine 30 includes a crankshaft 66. Thecrankshaft 66 is provided at one end thereof with a driven gear 67 thatis relatively large and which is driven from the transverse drive shaft36 by means of a small drive gear 68 carried by the transverse driveshaft. The opposite end of the crankshafi 66 is provided with a controlunit drive sprocket 69 the function of which will be described in moredetail hereinafter.

It is to be noted that the crankshaft 66 has two journals or throws 70which are mounted in alignment and which have connected thereto ends ofconnecting rods 71. The opposite ends of the connecting rods 71 aresuitably coupled to the carriage 63. It thus will be apparent that thecarriage 63 will be longitudinally reciprocated by the rotation of thecrankshaft 66.

At this time it is pointed out that the tool holder 62 is particularlyconfigurated to support a plurality of tools which will not be describedhere, but will be described in the order of their use hereinafter.

In addition to the tools carried by the tool holder 62, the machine 30also includes a trimmer, which is generally referred to by the numeral72. The trimmer 72 is mounted on a carriage 73 which, in turn, ismounted in a pair of opposed guides or ways 74 for movementlongitudinallyof the machine 30 only.

In order that the trimmer 72 may be reciprocated longitudinally, thereis provided a cam 75 which is carried by a shaft 76 that extendstransversely of the machine 30 and is suitably journaled with respect tothe frame of the machine30. The shaft 76 has a sprocket 77 which isaligned. with a sprocket 78 carried by an output shaft 79 of theFerguson unit 47. It is to be understood that the output shaft 79 isdriven continuously and not intermittently, as is the output shaft 48. Adrive chain 80 couples the drive sprockets 77 and 78 together so thatthe shaft 76 is driven from the shaft 79.

The drive for effecting the longitudinal reciprocation of the trimmer 72also includes a suitable bellcrank structure 81 which is mounted on atransversely pivot shaft 82. One end of the bell crank 81 carries a camfollower 83 which is positioned within a cam track 84 formed in the cam75. The opposite end of the bell crank 81 is connected to the carriage73 by a link 85. It will be readily apparent that when the cam 75 isrotating, the bell crank 81 is constantly oscillated in a rocking mannerso as to reciprocate the carriage 73 longitudinally of the machine.

The trimmer 72 is driven by means 'of an electric motor 86 having anarmature shaft 87. The armature shaft 87 has a drive pulley 88 which isaligned with a driven pulley 89 carried by a shaft 90 of the trimmer.The pulleys 88 and 89 are coupled together by a drive belt 91. It ispointed out that the electric motor 86 is suitably mounted on the frame.of the machine 30 in a fixed position despite the fact that the trimmer72 reciprocates longitudinally of the machine 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, in particular, it will be seen thatthere are illustrated thedetails of the feed mechanism 53. It is firstpointed out that the frame of the machine 30 includes a pair oflongitudinal support rods 92 which are elevated above the ways 65. Asuitable frame structure 93 for the feed mechanism 53 is carried by thesupport rods 92. The frame structure 93 carries suitable bearings, suchas the bearing 94 shown in FIG. 5, in which the feed turret drive shaft58 is rotatably journaled. The feed turret 54 includes a pair of plates95 which are fixedly secured to the shaft 58 and which are spacedlongitudinally thereof. The plates 95 are connected together atcircumferentially spaced intervals by means of spacers 96. As is bestillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, the plates 95 are notched in theirperipheral edges to define pockets 97, the notches in the two plates 95being aligned.

In order that tubular members delivered to the feed turret 54 will notdrop out of the pockets 97 during the rotation of the turret 54 in acounterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 1, a pair of guides 98depend from the frame structure 93. Also, in order to assure that thetubular members placed within the feed turret 54 are properly positionedtherein, the frame structure 93 is provided with a pair of fixed endplates 99 and 100, the end plate 99 being disposed adjacent the turret51 while the end plate 100 is disposed adjacent the tool holder 62. Inaddition, there is carried by the frame structure 93 an air pipe 101having a plurality of nozzles 102 which generally face the end plate 99and which are aligned with the path of movement of the pockets 97..Whenthe tubular members are properly positioned within the feed turret 54,the open ends thereof will open towards the nozzles 102 andair will bedirected into the tubular memberssoas to force the tubular membersagainst the end plate 99. In-this manner, the tubular members areaxially positioned in thefeed turret 54. For reference purposes, thetubular members are referred to by the numeral 103.

At this time it is pointed out that a suitable gate structure operativeto shut off the delivery of tubular members when desired will beprovided at the lower end of the infeed chute 55. However, the gatestructure may be of any desired design and will not be described furtherherein.

It will be readily apparent from FIG. l that the feed turret 54 will berotated at the same rate as the turret 51. Furthermore, it is to beunderstood that the pockets 97 will be sequentially aligned with theholders 52. Inasmuch as the turrets 51 and 54 are indexed, it is to beunderstood that the turrets will be stationary at the time the tubularmembers 103 are transferred from turret 54 to turret 51.

The plate 99 has an opening 104 through which a tubular member 103 isfed into a respective one of the holders 52. The lower portion of theopening 104 is'dcfined by an arcuate member 105 which is suitablyfastened to the plate 99 and which carries a pair of tubular memberengaging slide strips 106. In this manner, a tubular member 103 issupported as it is passed through the opening 104 in the plate 99.

The frame structure 93 includes a longitudinally extending support bar107 on which there is mounted a guide structure 108 for guiding atubular member 103 from the feed turret 54 into one of the holders 52.The guide structure 108 includes a fixed guide member 109 having amounting flange 110 which is suitably secured to the support bar 107.The fixed guide member 109 has a circular guiding surface 11 1 whichextends approximately 180.

The guide structure 108 also includes a pair of pivotally mounted guidemembers 112 which are carried by the fixed guide member 109. Eachpivotally mounted guide member 112 is carried by a rockshaft 113 whichhas an ear 114. A fastener 115 secures the pivotally mounted guidemember 112 to the car 114. A spring 116 extends between the fixed guidemember 109 in each pivotally mounted guide member 112 to resilientlyresist "the outward swinging of each pivotally mounted guide member 112.7

It is to be noted that each pivotally mounted guide member 112 also hasa tubular member guiding surface 111' which forms a continuation of theguiding surface 111. It is also to be noted that the guiding surfaces111 and 111' are outwardly flared towards the feed turret 54 tofacilitate the entrance of a tubular member 103 into the guide structure108. As is clearly shown in FIG. 7, when a tubular member 103 is fullypositioned in a work holder 52, it projects from the work holder 52 andhas a portion thereof disposed within the guide structure 108. When theturret 51 is indexed to move the tubular member 103 in the direction ofthe arrow in FIG. 6, it will be seen that the guide structure 108 opensup, due to the pivoting of the pivotally mounted guide members 112, tocompletely release the tubular member 103.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 8 through 11 wherein there are shown thespecific details of a work holder 52 and the manner in which the same ismounted on the turret plate 50. Each work holder 52 includes a dieholder 117 which extends through an opening 118 in the turret plate 50towards the Ferguson drive unit 47. The die holder 117 is provided witha' mounting flange 119 which is secured to the base of the turret plate50 remote from the Ferguson drive unit 47 by a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced fasteners 120. In order to properly positionthe die holder 1 17 with respect to the turret plate 50, a suitablefitting spacer 121 is positioned between the mounting flange 119 and theturret plate 50.

Referring now to FIG. 8 in particular, it will be seen that the dieholder 117 is part circular in outline and has a pair of flat sides 122.It is also provided with an arcuate groove 123 through the centerthereof. The purposes of the flat forced 122 and the groove 123 will beset forth in detail hereinafter.

It is to be noted from FIG. 11 that the die holder 117 is primarilycup-shaped in outline and hasseated therein a draw ring 124. The drawring 124 is mounted for movement axially in the die holder 117 and isresiliently urged away from the Ferguson drive unit 47 by fourcircumferentially spaced springs 125 (FIG. 9) which are seated insockets 126 and 127 formed in the die holder I17 and the draw ring I24,respectively.

It is to be noted that the draw ring 124 is in part shaped to bereceived within the die holder 117 and in part to define edge portions128 which project outwardly of the flat sides 122 of the die holder 117.The configuration of the draw ring 124 is such as to define a shoulder129 which is adapted to abut a shoulder 130 of the die holder 117 tolimit the movement of the draw ring 124 to the left, as viewed in FIG.9.

The draw ring 124 is of a hollow cdnstmction and includes a firstopening or bore 131 of av size to receive the closed end portion of atubular member 103. At the inner or left end of the opening 131 there isa shoulder defining a seat 132 for a tubular member. The draw ring 124includes a second opening or bore 133 in which there is recessed a head134 of a die pad 135. The die pad 135 includes a stem 136 which extendsentirely through the draw ring 124 and into the arcuate groove 123 ofthe die holder 117.

The stem 136 has a left or outer end of a bifurcated configurationdefining a slot 137 which is aligned with the groove 123 and which hasseated therein a cam follower 133. The cam follower 138 is rotatablyjournaled on a shaft 139 which extends across the slot 137. It is to benoted that the cam follower 138 is aligned with the groove 123. It is tobe further noted in FIGS. 9 and 11 that the bifurcated end of the stem136 extends leftwardly beyond the periphery of the cam follower 138 aslight amount.

The draw ring 124 has a shoulder 140 which faces to the left in FIG. 9.The shoulder 140 is engaged by a spring 141 which is carried by the stem136 of the die pad 135, and which engages a spring retainer 142 which islocked in place on the stem 136 by means of a retainer ring 143.

It is to be noted that the spring 141 serves to normally hold the head134 fully seated within the opening 133 while the springs 125 normallyserve to hold the shoulders 129 and 130 in widely spaced relation.Rotation of the die pad 135 within the draw ring 124 is prevented byproviding the stem 136 with a longitudinal keyway 1.44 in which there isseated a key 145 (FIG. 11). The key 145 is carried by the draw ring 124and is secured in place thereon by means of a fastener 146.

The draw ring 124 is also fixed against rotation by means of a pin147'which iscarried by the die holder 117. The pin 147 is receivedwithin a bore 148 in the draw ring 124, as is clearly shown in FIG. 11.It is to be understood that the pin 147 has a flat side 149 whichpermits the venting of the bore 148 while still preventing relativerotation of the draw ring 124 with respect to the die holder 117.

Each work holder 52 also includes a collet assembly which is generallyreferred to by the numeral 150. The collet assembly 150 includes acollet body 151 which is provided with an outwardly projecting mountingflange 52. It is to be noted that the collet body 151 has a projectingportion 153 which is generally complementary to the adjacent portion ofthe draw ring 124 so that the two will internest. It is also to be notedthat the projecting portion 153 functions as a stop for the draw ring,as is clearly shown in FIG. 9, to limit the movement of the draw ring tothe right due to the urging of the springs 125. It is to be noted thatthe collet body 151 is of the usual split construction so as to define aplurality of individual circumferentially spaced fingers 154. Eachfinger 154 has an inner surface 155 which is aligned with the opening131 in the draw ring 124. Thus, when a tubular member 103 is positionedwithin the work holder 152, it will be supported by the draw ring 124and by the inner surfaces 155.

The collet assembly 150 also includes a tubular housing 156. The housing156 has a mounting flange 157 which extends outwardly. It is to be notedthat a single set of fasteners 158 secure the housing 156 and the colletbody 151 to the die holder 117. At this time, it isalso pointed out thatthere is provided a fitting spacer 159 which is positioned between themounting flange 152 and a projecting mounting ring 1611 of the dieholder 117 into which the fasteners 158 are threaded.

A terminal portion of the housing 156 is recessed so as to define ajournal 161 on which there is rotatably journaled a bushing 162. Thehousing 156 also serves as a support for a collet clamping ring163 whichhas the bushing 162 pressed in and which rotates relative to the housing156 in order to effect the clamping together and the releasing of thefingers 154 in a manner to be described hereinafter.

The collet clamping ring 163 has a radially inwardly offset ring portion164 whichsurrounds the outer ends of the fingers 154 in closely spacedrelation thereto. The ring portion 164 is interrupted atcircumferentially spaced points to define openings 165, each opening 165being aligned with one of the collet fingers 154, as is clearly shown inFIG. 10. In each opening 165, there is positioned a bushing 166 whichcarries a rolling element which is illustrated as being in the form of aball 167. Each ball 167 is disposed in a circumferentially extendinggroove 168 in the associated collet finger 154..It is to be noted fromFIG. 10 that each groove 168 increases in depth in a counterclockwisedirection, so as to define a sloping cam surface 169. Thus, when theballs 167 are moved in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 10, thecollet fingers 154 will be urged inwardly. When the balls 167 are movedin a counterclockwise direction, the collet fingers 154 will bereleased. Inasmuch as the colletbody 151 is formed of a suitableresilient metal, it will be understood that the fingers 154automatically return to their outer normal positions.

The balls 167 are retainedin place by means of a ring 170. The ring 1711is provided with an annular groove 171 which is shaped in accordancewith the configuration of the balls 167 and forms an outer raceway forthe balls167. At this time it is pointed out that the collet fingers 154are provided along their line of juncture with cutout portions defininga generally semicircular groove 172 which extends longitudinally of thecollet fingers 154. The groove 172 initially receives the balls 167 tofacilitate the assembling of the collet clamping ring 163 and theassociated components over the collet body 151.

Referring once again to FIG. l0 in particular, it will be seen that eachcollet clamping ring 163 is providedwith three bifurcated earassemblies. The first of these ear assembliesis an ear assembly 173which carries a cam follower 174, the cam fol,- lower being carried byashaft assembly 175 suitably mounted in the ear assembly 173. The camfollower 174 engages a fixed cam 176 which is suitably supported by theframe of the machine 30. It is to bennderstood that the general axis ofthe cam 176 is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the turret 51 and amajor portion of the, surface of the cam 176 is concentric to this axisso that the collet clamping ring 163 may normally be retained in afinger clamping position.

The collet clamping ring is constantly urged towards a finger clampingposition by means of a spring assembly which is generally referred to bythe numeral 177. The spring assembly 177, as viewed in FIG. 10, urges acollet clamping ring in a generally clockwise direction and serves tohold the cam follower 174 against the surface of the cam 176. It will,thus, be apparent that the cam 176 is relied upon to rotate the colletclamping ring 163 in a counterclockwise direction against the urging ofthe spring assembly 177 to a finger releasing position. In other words,the spring assembly 177 urges the collet clamping ring 163 to theclamping position and the earn 176 serves to move the collet clampingring to a released position; Thus, with proper configuration of cam 176,tubular members 1113 are clamped or released as required for performingthe several operations thereon.

The spring assembly 177 extends between a second of thethreeabove-mentioned ear assemblies and a third of the above-mentioned earassemblies, the third ear assembly being,

Each spring assembly 177 includes a spring bushing 130;- which is of atubular construction. The spring bushing has an. end portion into whichthere is threaded a rod end 182. The: rod end 182 is received in the earassembly 179 and is:

pivotally connected thereto by means of a pin 183.

A second rod end 184 is carried by the ear assembly 178 and is pivotallyconnected thereto by means of a pin 185. The rod end 184 has a threadedshank 186 which is threadedly engaged in a tubular spring compressor187. The spring compressor 187 is retained on the shank 186 in anadjusted position by means of a lock nut 188. The spring compressor 187is telescoped within the spring bushing 180 and has a spring seatingflange 189 opposing a spring seating flange 190 on the spring bushing180. A spring 191 is telescoped over the spring bushing 180 and thespring compressor 187 and urges the two apart so as to urge the colletclamping ring 163 in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 10.

Referring once again to FIGS. 8 and 9 in particular, it will be seenthat for each of the work holders 52 the turret plate 50 has a radiallyextending passage 192 which is aligned with a passage 193 in the dieholder 117. The draw ring 124 has an elongated passage 194 in the outersurface thereof which is aligned with the passage 193 and remains incommunication therewith in all positions of the draw ring 124. The drawring 124 has an annular passage 195 in the outer surface thereof whichintersects the passage 194. A pair of radial passages 196 extendinwardly from the passage 195 in diametrically opposite relation. Eachradial passage 196 intersects a longitudinal passage 197 which opensinto the opening 133. it is to be noted that the left end of eachlongitudinal passage 197 is closed by means of a plug 198. The passages192 are placed in communication with a vacuum source in preselectedpositions of the work holder 52 in its travel with the turret 51 bymeans of a valve assembly which is generally referred to by the numeral199 and is best illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29.

Referring now to FIG. 28 in particular, it will be seen that the turretplate 50 is secured to the output shaft 4-8 by means of a mountingflange 200 on the output shaft. The turret plate 50 has a hub 201 whichmounts the mounting flange 200 and which is removably secured thereto byheaded bolts 202. The bolts 202 are recessed within axial bores 203 inthe turret plate 50. it is to be noted that each of the passages 192radiating outwardly through the turret plate 50 opens into one of thebores 203.

The valve assembly 199 includes a plate 204 which is clamped to the faceof the turret plate 50 by a plurality of bolts 205. A suitable gasketring 206 may be placed between the plate 204 and the turret plate 50 toprovide a seal therebetween.

The plate 204 is provided with a longitudinal passage 207 and anintersecting radial passage 208 for each of the work holders 52. Theouter end of the radial passage 208 is closed by means of a plug 209.Each passage 208 is circumferentially aligned with an associated passage192, but is longitudinally offset therefrom, as is clearly shown in F1G. 28. The plate 204 is provided with an internally threaded bore 210therethrough in alignment with each of the bores 203, the bore 210intersecting the passage 208. In each bore 210 there is threaded a plug211 which is sealed relative to the plate204 and which has acircumferential groove 212 that is aligned with the passage 208. Eachplug 211 is provided with a center bore 213 which is tilled with asuitable filter material and an intersecting radial passage 214 whichopens into the groove 212. It is to be noted that the bore 213 is indirect communication with the bore 203 so that the passage 208 is incommunication with the passage 192.

A further plate 215 is tightly clamped against the face of the plate 204by a plurality of fasteners 216. The plate 215 has passages 217therethrough in alignment with the passages 207.

A valve block 218 is clamped against the face of the plate 215, but isfixed against rotation with the plate 215. The valve block 218 may beformed of any suitable material although a suitable plastic, such asTeflon, is preferred. The valve block 218 is supported from the cam 176by means of a plurality of bolts 219 which are carried by the cam 176.Each bolt 219 is locked in place by means of a nut 220 and projects intoa bore 221 in the valve block 218. A spring 222 is carried by each bolt219 and bears at one end against the nut 220 and at the opposite endagainst the valve block 218. In this manner, the valve block 218 isprevented from rotating with the plate 215 and at the same time isresiliently clamped thereagainst.

The machine 30 includes a vacuum line 223 which is connected to asuitable vacuum source (not shown). One end of the vacuum line 223 isthreaded into a bore 224 in the valve block 2153 with the bore 22%opening into an arcuate port 225 which is best shown in FlG. 29.

It is to be noted that the port 225 has a sufficient arcuate extent soas to extend between two indexed positions of the turret 51. The port225 is so positioned whereby the vacuum line 223 is in communicationwith the passages in the work holders 52 when the work holders are atthe panelling and trimming stations which are to be described in moredetail hereinafter.

In FIG. 28 there is illustrated a tubular support 227 which is a part ofthe frame of the machine 30. The tubular support serves to support theearn 176, which cam is secured to a flange 228 of the support 227 by aplurality of circumferentially spaced bolts 229.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 4 and 7 wherein it is shown that the toolholder 62 is provided with a suitable support structure 230 whichincludes a clamping sleeve 23! having a longitudinal axis. The supportstructure 230 is disposed at the top of the carriage 62 in a 12 oclockposition when facing the carriage 62 from the turret 51.

The clamping sleeve 231 carries a feed plunger assembly which isgenerally referred to by the numeral 232. The feed plunger assembly 232includes a supporting rod 233 and a head 234. The head'23 l is securedto the rod 233 by means of a centrally located bolt 235 and is preventedfrom rotating with respect to the rod by a pin 236.

It is to be noted from FIG. 7 that the left end of the head 234 isbeveled as at 237 to facilitate the entrance of the head 234 into atubular member 103. The left portion of the head 234 is of a diameter tobe freely received within the open end of the tubular member 103. Theright portion of the head 234 is larger than the left portion so as todefine a shoulder 238 against which the open end of the tubular member103 abuts and is grooved out on both sides (see FIG. 1) to clear theslide strips 106 shown in FIG. 5.

IN FEEDING OPERATlON The closed end tubular members 103 are delivered tothe machine 30 through the infeed chute 55 and as each pocket 97 of thefeed turret 54 is disposed uppermost, a tubular member 103 is seatedtherein. The infeed turret is indexed in a clockwise direction, asviewed in FIG. 3, and when a pocket reaches approximately the 4 oclockposition, the pocket becomes aligned with the feed plunger assembly 232.At the same time, the pocket in question is aligned with one of the workholders 52. When the feed turret 54and the turret 51 are indexed, thetool holder 62 moves forwardly with the result that the tubular member103 positioned at the 4 oclock position of the feed turret 54 is engagedby the feed plunger assembly 232. As the tool holder 62 continues toadvance, the tubular member 103 is pushed through the guide structure108 into the aligned work holder 52, as is clearly shown in FIG. 7.

After the tubular member 103 has been positioned in the work holder 52which is disposed at the 12 oclock position of the turret 51 of FIG. 3,the feed plunger assembly 232 is withdrawn due to the withdrawal of thetool holder 62. The work holder 52 having the tubular member 103 thereinis then indexed in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 3, to a 2oclock position.

It is to be understood that the work holder 52 is maintained in a wideopen position for easy reception of the tubular member by virtue of theelevation of the cam surface of the cam 176 being sufficient at theinfeeding area to effect the opening thereof. During the clockwisemovement of the work holder to the 2 oclock position, however, the camsurface of the cam 176 falls off sufficiently so that the tubular memberis lightly gripped for the following operation.

BACKWARD MEMBER DETECTING APPARATUS Referring now to FIG. 12 inparticular, it will be seen that there is carried by the tool holder 62suitable apparatus for detecting when a tubular member is positionedwithin the associated work holder 52 in a backward direction. Thisapparatus is generally referred to by the numeral 239 and ineludes atubular plunger 240 which has a rear extension 241 seated in an opening242 in the tool holder. The plunger 2410 has a mounting flange 243 whichis secured to the tool holder 62 by means of a plurality of bolts 2 14.A fitting spacer 245 is disposed between the mounting flange 243 and anadjacent face of the tool holder 62 so as to provide for the properadjustment of the plunger 24%.

It is to be noted that the plunger 241 has a rounded projeeting end 246to facilitate the movement of the plunger 240 into a tubular member 103carried by the aligned work holder 52.

The apparatus 239 is provided with means for detecting when a tubularmember 133 is in the work holder backwards. To this end, the plunger 240has a bore 247 therethrough which includes an enlarged central portion248. A shaft 249 extends entirely through the plunger 249 and isprovided at the left end thereof, as viewed in FIG. 12, with a head 250.The opposite end of the shaft 249 extends out beyond the right end ofthe plunger 240 and terminates in a flattened end portion 251 to whichthere is connected by means of a fastener 252 one end of a lever 253.The lever 253 is in the form of a control arm of a switch 254 which issuitably mounted on the tool holder 62 by means of a bracket 255. Theswitch 254 is suitably coupled into the electrical system of the machine30 so as to discontinue the operation thereof when it is tripped by themovement of the shaft 249 to the right.

The enlarged central portion 248 of the plunger 240 has a coil spring256 positioned therein. The coil spring 256 has one end thereof bearingagainst a stop collar 257 carried by the shaft 249 and adjustablyretained thereon by means of a set screw 258. The spring 256 constantlyurges the shaft 249 and the head 250 to the left. When the head 250strikes a relatively immovable object, such as the end panel 260 of abackward tubular member 103, the shaft 249 will move to the rightthereby actuating the switch 254. At this time it is pointed out that inorder to position the spring 256 on the collar 257 within the plunger240, the plunger may be of a split construction either longitudinally ortransversely. This has not been specifically illustrated inasmuch as itis a mere constructional detail.

PANELLING APPARATUS Referring now to FIG. 3 in particular, it will beseen that the tool holder, when viewed from the turret, has a panellingapparatus disposed at the 4 o'clock position, the panelling apparatusbeing generally referred to by the numeral 259. The panelling apparatusis for the purpose of panelling the end panel 260 (FIG. 13) of theclosed end tubular member.

Referring now to FIG. 13 in particular, it will be seen that the toolholder 62 supports the panelling apparatus 259 in a projectingcantilever manner. The panelling apparatus includes a plunger 261 havinga rear extension 262 which is seated within an opening, 263 in the toolholder 62. The plunger 261 also includes a mounting flange 264 which issecured to the tool holder 62 by means of a plurality of bolts 265. Itis to be noted that a fitting spacer 266 is positioned between themounting flange 264 and the'opposing face of the tool holder 62 so thatthe panelling apparatus 259 may be properly adjusted.

The plunger-.261 has a large bolt 267 threaded into a bore 268 formedtherein and opening through the end thereof remote from the tool holder62. The bolt 267 has a shoulder 269 which abuts against a spacing ring270 which is clamped against the end of the plunger 261. The bolt 267carries a punch 271 which has a hollow end portion 272 in which the head273 of the belt 267 is positioned, the head 273 abutting a shoulder 274of the punch to retain the punch generally in place. It is to be notedthat the punch 271 has an outer ring portion 275 which is formedcomplementary to the seat 132 of the draw ring 124. It is also to benoted that the bolt head 273 is suffieiently recessed within the punch271 to permit the head 134 of the die pad to inwardly deform the endpanel 260.

The mounting of the punch 271 on the plunger 261 is a resilient one withthe punch 271 being free for limited sliding movement on the bolt 267towards the plunger 261. To this end, there is carried by the bolt 267intermediate the punch 271 and the spacing ring 270 apluralityof'Belleville washers 276 which have limited compressibility.It is pointed out that after the punch 271 has been properly positionedon the plunger 261 and the desired adjustment obtained, the bolt 267 isclamped against rotation relative to the plunger 261 by means of a setscrew 276' which is threaded in a bore 278 in the plunger 261.

It is to be noted that the plunger 261 is-provided with a len gitudinalpassage 277 which is plugged at the right end thereof by means of a plug278. In a like manner, the bolt 267 has a passage 279 entirelytherethrough. The passage 279 opens into the hollow end portion 272 ofthe punch 271 and is in communication with the end panel 260 of thetubular member 1113. The plunger 261 also includes a transverse passage280 which opens into the passage 277. A compressed air supply line 281is connected to the plunger 261 by means of a fitting 282 threaded intothe passage 280. For descriptive purposes, the compressed air will bedescribed as continuously flowing through the passage 280, 277 and 279.However, it will be readily apparent that if desired, suitable valvingmay be provided so as to eliminate the flow of air except when the airis needed to strip a can from the punch 271 after a panelling operation.

It is to be noted that the backup plate 49 in front of the Fergusondrive unit has secured thereto a plate 283. In turn, the plate 283carries a backup pad 284. The backup pad 284 is disposed in alignmentwith the 4 oclock position of the panelling apparatus 259 shown in FIG.3. Thebackup pad 284 is so positioned with respect to the path ofmovement of the turret plate 50 so as to be very closely spaced to thepath of travel of the die holder 117 and the bifurcated end of the stem136.

OPERATION OF PANELLING APPARATUS When a work holder 52 is indexed so asto be aligned with the lLJlCUP pad 284, the panelling apparatus 259 ismoved towards the tubular member 103 mounted in the work holder, thepunch 271 will enter into the open end of the tubular member 103 andcontinue therelnto to firmly seat the tubular member 103 against thedraw ring 124. At this time the ring portion 275 of the punch 271 willclamp the outer peripheral portion of the end panel 260 against the seat132 of the draw ring 124. As the panelling apparatus 259 continues tomove into the work holder 52, the end panel 260 will come into contactwith the head 134 of the die pad 135. The die pad 135 will moverearwardly a slight amount until the bifurcated end of the stem 136comes into contact with the backup pad 284. The movement of the die pad135 to the left in FIG. 13 then discontinues and further movement of thepunch 271 and the associated draw ring 124 will result in the inwardlyreeessing or panelling of the end panel 260 in the manner clearly shownin FIG. 13. It is to be noted that as the draw ring 124 moves to theleft, the spring 141 and the springs (FIG. 9) are compressed.

When the tool'holder 62 moves to the right in FIG. 13, the tubularmember 103 has a tendency to be withdrawn therewith. However, bysupplying compressed air into the in terior of the tubular member withthe compressed air reacting against the end panel 260, it will bereadily apparent that the panelling apparatus 259 may be stripped fromthe tubular member 103 with the tubular member remaining in place withinthe work holder 52. There is, however,- a limited outward movement ofthe tubular member 1113 due to the urging of the spring 141 and springs125 (FIG. 9) and the returning of the draw ring 124 to its normal atrest position.

